At its latest Unpacked event, Samsung revealed only a preview of GalaxyPlay Link, its new game streaming service. Now, thanks to TechCrunch, we know the service will officially launch in the first two weeks of September, and it will be released in the form of a free downloadable app. This will allow game streaming from users’ PCs to their Galaxy Note 10.
The PC will need to be running Windows 10, and the gameplay will be streamed simultaneously across both devices. To accomplish this, GalaxyPlay Link leverages technology developed by gaming startup Parsec. Check it out in action below:
Over the years, Samsung has proven that it cares about mobile gaming. Its Game Launcher application and previous partnership with Epic Games proves that. But, on the heels of Google Stadia, Apple Arcade, and even Valve’s Steam Link, Samsung is looking to take a more serious step into game streaming with GalaxyPlay Link.
There are some potential downsides to game streaming though. Where services like Nvidia GeForce Now have shown some promise, more information about Stadia has shown some possible pitfalls. As a result, potential issues like high internet usage, hidden costs, and a possibly a limited games library plague the industry’s future.
Each of the offerings tries to solve these problems in their own ways. In Samsung’s case, GalaxyPlay Link streams from your personal PC, so hopefully, you can stream games you already own, unlike Google Stadia. On the other hand, Samsung’s streaming service also looks like it will rely on a third-party controller to play your games. At least the Glap controller featured in the Samsung hands-on video appears to be a solid solution.
Hopefully, Samsung’s partnerships with Microsoft and Parsec will help iron out the rest of the possible kinks before the launch date. Only time will tell.
